Lyon vs Barca Champions League Preview

FC Barcelona would be hoping to put an end to recent lack-lustre performance with a good result at Lyon on Tuesday night. Barca have dropped five points in last two league matches and the next one is at Atletico Madrid; that doesn't eases anything. Atletico would be looking to take revenge for the drubbing they received at the hands of Barca earlier this season. Before that FC Barcelona has to successfully negotiate a tough away game at Lyon in the first leg of UEFA Champions League. Barca did struggle in the last two league matches and Lyon would be a very tough place to get things back on track. But we can expect Guardiola to get the train back on track and rolling. FC Barcelona captain Puyol has expressed his confidence in the team and its title credentials. He also emphasized on the importance of away goals against Lyon. Mean while Abidal is been confirmed to be out for eight weeks.

Guardiola has announced the squad which will be travelling to Lyon. The squad list is Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Sylvinho, Puyol, Víctor Sánchez, Cáceres, Piqué, Márquez, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Gudjohnsen, Keita, Touré Yaya, Hleb, Messi, Eto’o, Bojan and Henry. Guardiola and Messi will attend a pre-match press conference at the Gerland stadium. How will Guardiola fill the void left by Abidal on the left is to be seen? Earlier when Abidal was having a bad run we used Puyol at the left. We even tried a 3-1-3-3 fromation which was also pretty successful. But against Lyon a back line consisting of three members would be suicidal. Caceres had played the left back role once and looked confident there. Ofcourse, we surely have Sylvinho in the squad for the left back position. Whoever comes at the Left back position I would definitely love to see Marquez and Puyol partnering together at the heart of defense. I expect Valdes to be picked as Goal Keeper. Alves, Puyol, Marquez and Caceres should form the defense. Xavi, Busquets and Toure would be the ideal midfield. Messi, Eto and Henry has to be the attacking trio. It is essential for Barca to win this encounter and take all the positive to the second leg and the league.

Forgot to predict the score line.I expect a tought 0-2 victory for Barca. May sound crazy for some, due to recent poor results. But the boys will be eager to bounce back.

Post your predictions too.

FC Barcelona vs Espanyol Pictures on 21/02/09

FC Barcelona Player rating against Espanyol on 21/02/09

Valdes - 5 - Had a decent night but his mistake which led to second goal was simply unpardonable, especially taking into consideration that Barca were reduced to ten men.

Alves - 6 - Was not that effective on the right. For a second match in succession he was not influential in offense and defense.

Pique - 6 - Had a better night than last one. Did struggle once Keita was sent off but still looked to go forward on every given oppurtunity.

Marquez - 6.5 - Had an excellent night till Keita was sent off after tthat naturally struggled.

Abidal - 7 - Was good till he was there and is interesting to see how Barca cope in his absence.

Xavi - 6 - Nothing special from the Spanish Midfield giant. Should have raised his game but failed miserably.

Toure - 7.5 - The best of Barcelona players. He was magnificient in defense and did much to attack also. Capped a good night with a goal but would be dissappointed to have lost the match.

Keita - 6 -Played ok till the red card. But is yet to reach his usual form.

Messi - 6.5 - Much was expected from him but failed. Especially after Keita was expelled everything rested on his shoulder. Guardiola's decision to put Busquets along with his didn't help.

Eto - 6.5 - Very poor display. Everyonje expected him to show something after his all week non-sense talking.

Henry - 6 - Missed a glorious chance and had to be substituted after keita red.

Substitutes:

Puyol - 6 - had a poor night on the left. It would be good to try Caceres as Left back till Abidal returns.

Busquest - 6 - Struggled after coming in and moving forward.

Gudjohnsen - 6 - Had some half chances but failed to capitalise.

Man Of The Match - Ivan De La Pena